Washington is at a standstill. And President Obama said it's because Republicans are on an ideological crusade against his health care law. This Republican shut down. Did not have to happen. Nearly 800000 federal employees forced to stay home from work. Museums parks and monuments all closed including a World War II memorial on the National Mall. But the -- didn't stop a group of veterans from Mississippi it makes you feel good at it didn't get the gates open our. The house and senate were back in session today but no signs of progress. Last night house speaker John Boehner -- named a team of eight Republicans to sit down for negotiations with senate Democrats. Today they staged a photo op. This table is -- on the other side and we need to senate Democrats to come join us. But senate majority leader Harry Reid said no way. There will be no discussion because Democrats are not going to negotiate on obamacare we had a good day. For the Americans. Why because the government is clones. At this point there is no -- site. But there are growing rumbles among some Republicans at the house leadership needs to heat put a bill on the floor that -- the government temporarily back up and running. But does not include any restrictions on obamacare. But there's no indication from speaker Boehner that that's a possibility. Doesn't -- -- is scheduled to leave for Asia on Saturday but the White House is preparing for the possibility that he may need to stay home. Heels are dug in and Washington is preparing for the long haul. Karen Travers ABC news Capitol Hill.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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